Hi Guys and Girls !!

It's been sometime since I made a post although I have been reading a lot of them, I  have a question regarding front springs, I have a 1976 Coupe and it is in dire need of new springs (I hope) I am assuming the ones on there have never been replaced and if they have then they are due for replacement agiain, I have two questions or is it three, Which spring sould I use standard or Gymkana (i do not know which i currently have) and what is the advantage of using the 'rubber cushions at the base they raise the car 1" higher is that a good thing, and ....... does anyone know where i cand rent the spring compressors (autozone maybe ?)

Thanks

Gary

Autozone does have the spring compressors.   When you put the new coils in you may want to take them to a spring shop and have them banded.  Banding is compressing the springs, wrapping all but the top and bottom coils in steel bands to keep them compressed.   Installation is quite easy at that point.  Once in place and seated with a bit of tension, cut the bands and pull them out.  Just make sure the springs are seated, or it can get ugly.

The stock spring were often 330 lbs rating.  You can get stiffer springs, all the way up to 550 lbs.  The stiffer springs usually reduce the ride height a bit.

How high is your car now?  On a flat surface the wheel well openings are about 28 1/2 inches in stock form.  I say about due to difference in the body fit and construction.  Frame measurements are more accurate, but the wheel opening is a good starting place.

If you use the 550 lbs springs, you may want to use the spacers and keep the car at normal ride height.  The biggest factor in lowering the original ride height is will you wheels clear?  With 70 series this should not be a problem, but with 60s it can be a big issue.

The stiffer springs will likely handle better, but the ride will be worse.  What did you have in the first place?  Look at your rear leaf.  If it has 9 leafs, you have the stock suspension.  7 leafs is the gymkana performance setup.

Don't forget a good set of shocks when you put it back together.  This is also a good time to do the control arm bushings if they have any wear or cracking.

On the subject of springs..  I'm beginning to buy parts for a suspension rebuild next fall.  My 81 has been sitting mostly (75K mile) for the last several years.  My question is should I go ahead and replace the rear spring when I do the rest of the rear suspension work, or do the fiberglass springs last forever?  To the best of my knowledge I don't have any issues with the way the car rides or handles...

Thanks!

I just did my front end rebuild this winter and went with the 460 lb grand touring springs up front. The wheel opening is about 27.5" now. I have a 76 with A/C and a stock engine. I did mine without a spring compressor. It can be done safely, you just need to be careful and take your time.

Hi Terry,

Our sponsor Mid America carries them

http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=4.190.1354

Corvette America also carries them

http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/displaylearnmore.cfm?learn moreid=1162&idlist=1162&searchdest=%2Fcf%2Flearnmore list%2Ecfm%3Fkeyword%3Dfront%2Bspring%26submitfind%3DView&am p;subcategoryid=&searchname=Keyword%3A%20front%20spring